T4208 CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL

January 2-24, 2014

Salvador, Cachoeira, Fortaleza, Morro de São Paulo

Academic Overview
Traditional psychology often seeks (or even assumes) universals of human nature, but the emerging field of cultural psychology challenges us to consider how much of human thought and behavior is truly universal, and how much is constrained by our cultural contexts. Culture can be a nearly invisible force in our daily lives, if we live in a homogenous society, yet we also run the risk of overemphasizing it if we study others from a distance (too easy to assume “they” must be completely foreign and exotic). This course will provide you with the opportunity to gain a new, balanced perspective through direct immersion in another culture. As you will discover, Brazil is a nation with both striking similarities and differences to the US. You will read about its culture and history, hear from local experts, and personally experience Brazilian daily life in several cities as well as the countryside. You will also read psychological research on observed differences, and then collect and analyze your own data. Throughout your brief experience as a “foreigner,” we will emphasize learning how to understand and interact successfully with people from other cultures.

Comprehensive Fee
Costs: $5975-6275*
*Each home institution may have supplementary fees in addition to the price listed.
Comprehensive Fee Includes: Transportation and course arrangements as indicated, hotel accommodations in twin and triple rooms, homestays, continental breakfast daily, three lunches, eleven dinners and three cultural performances. (subject to change)

Prerequisites
PSYC 115 (at Augustana) or other equivalent introductory psychology course.

Required Readings
Heine, S. J. (2011). Cultural Psychology (2nd ed.). New York, NY: W.W. Norton. (ISBN 978-0-393-91283-8 - purchase prior to departure)

Evaluation
50% Papers
20% Participation
20% Academic journal
10% Presentation

Faculty Directors
Olivia Lima, Ph.D., Augustana College (605) 274-5440
Paulo Lima (605) 274-5440

http://www.augie.edu/academics/psychology/brazil

Description of Faculty Directors

Dr. Olivia Lima is an Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology at Augustana College. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology (University of Virginia, 2008). Dr. Lima lived in Brazil for seven years. She knows professors in the areas of sociology and psychology in the cities of Fortaleza and Salvador and also studied in the Diálogo language school.

Mr. Paulo Lima is a native of Brazil, and has lived in two of the cities on our itinerary (Fortaleza and Salvador). As a dual-national and retired service-member from the Brazilian Navy, who has lived in the US for eight years, he is well prepared to take on a supporting role.

Final Application Deadline: October 1, 2013

For more information on course content, contact Prof. Olivia Lima
On application procedures or logistical information, contact your study abroad office.